Thursday, January 29, 2015

WASHINGTON D.C. (January 29, 2015) – Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon , announced today that Valmir Fernandes, President of Cinemark International, will receive the Global Achievement Award in Exhibition. CinemaCon , the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be held April 20 - 23, 2015 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Valmir is set to receive his achievement award during the convention’s International Day festivities, taking place on Monday, April 20, 2015.

“An exemplary leader who has made a great impact on the film-exhibition industry and the movie-going experience, Valmir leads with innovation and determination in making Cinemark synonymous with excellence throughout the motion picture theatre industry,” noted Neuhauser. "Now, as President of Cinemark International, Valmir continues to strive to expand and enhance the moviegoing experience from a global standpoint and he could not be more deserving of this year's CinemaCon Global Achievement in Exhibition Award."

“Cinemark is incredibly proud of Valmir and his accomplishments over his 18 years with the company, from developing our operations as General Manager of Brazil to leading our efforts as the most premiere theatrical platform in Central and South America as President of International,” stated Tim Warner, CEO of Cinemark. “We have always recognized Valmir’s tremendous talent and success internally and are thrilled that he is being recognized by NATO and his peers.”

Valmir was instrumental in the creation and development of Cinemark Brazil where he served as General Manager for 10 years. In 2006, Valmir was promoted to President of Cinemark International and re-located to the United States. Under his guidance, Cinemark's Latin American presence has elevated in brand recognition and grown significantly in screen count, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Valmir has been a great leader in innovation for Cinemark International bringing new concepts and offerings to patrons throughout the region. For example, Valmir spearheaded the introduction of Cinemark XD, Cinemark’s private-label premium large format concept, to Latin America. Through his vision, he has helped Cinemark become the highest attended exhibitor in the world, ranking as the #1 or #2 exhibitor in the countries of operation.

Prior to Cinemark, Valmir served as Director in the Chemical and Petrochemical Industry Practice of Arthur D. Little and Product Marketing Manager for Dow Chemical Co. Valmir holds Bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration with majors in Finance and Marketing.

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry -- from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas -- all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies.

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 81 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Cinemark is a leading domestic and international motion picture exhibitor, operating 490 theatres with 5,629 screens in 40 U.S. states, Brazil, Argentina, and 11 other Latin American countries as of September 30, 2014.